Dosewallips River Road Trail

The trail begins where the former vehicle road is now closed to cars. Parking is available at the road closure point. This serves as the primary trailhead for accessing the Dosewallips River Road section of the trail.

Dogs are generally allowed on the Dosewallips River Road Trail, especially in the Olympic National Forest sections. However, regulations can change, particularly when entering Olympic National Park. Always check current park regulations regarding pets on trails at nps.gov before your visit, as leash rules and restricted areas may apply.

The trail offers an "all-season" recreational opportunity. However, for the most pleasant jogging experience, late spring through early fall typically provides the best weather conditions. During cooler, wetter sections, you'll experience the rainforest-like valleys at their most vibrant.

While the initial sections of the trail may not require specific permits, as it traverses into Olympic National Park, entrance fees or passes may be required. It's crucial to check the official Olympic National Park website at nps.gov for the most current information on entrance fees, permits, and any specific regulations for the areas you plan to access within the park.

For much of its length, the trail is wide, smooth, and has a gentle grade, making it excellent for jogging. The first few miles are particularly flat and easy. However, be aware that some sections are experiencing natural reclamation, with washouts and landslides requiring reroutes or navigating over river rocks. The overall tread is well-maintained, but it transitions from a former road to a more natural trail in places.

The trail is generally considered to have a moderate difficulty level. While it can be quite long (up to 14.9 miles one way to Hayden Pass), the elevation gain is often gradual. The initial sections are easy, with some steeper but short-lived inclines appearing further along, particularly a stretch beyond Elkhorn Campground that gains almost 400 feet over a mile. A typical jog of the 13.5 km route might take around 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on your pace and how far you choose to go.

You'll jog through a picturesque montane and ancient forest ecosystem, with the Dosewallips River flowing alongside much of the route. Expect luxuriant mosses, licorice ferns, and vanilla leaf, especially in wetter areas. Glimpses of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains can be seen further down the river valley. The trail also passes through an area burned by the 2009 Constance fire, offering unique contrasts of blackened logs against the vibrant landscape, and views of Dosewallips Falls and the roaring Constance Creek.

The trail is rich in wildlife. Elk are occasionally seen grazing in the understory, especially in the more open areas. Keep an eye out for various bird species and smaller forest animals typical of the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park ecosystems.

The trail is located in a wilderness area, so amenities are not directly on the route. For cafes, pubs, and accommodation, you would need to visit nearby towns such as Brinnon, WA. It's advisable to plan for food and lodging before or after your visit to the trail.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Dosewallips River Road. It also passes through sections of the Tunnel Creek Trail #841 and the Bypass Trail, offering potential connections to other routes within the area.

Its unique appeal for jogging lies in its origin as a former vehicle road, now reclaimed by nature. This provides a relatively wide and smooth path, offering easier access into a true wilderness area compared to many traditional trails. It's a blend of maintained surface and wild surroundings, allowing for a unique experience of running deep into Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park.